Noah Jeffery

He's HERE! We are officially a family of 5. Here's how it all went down.

Wednesday, March 14:
Joel left for jury duty and I warned our family it was going to happen that day. I was sure this was it due to 2 reasons. We both had a good night sleep (which hadn't been happening due to sick kids) and now that Joel's jury duty is over and our affairs were in order, we were officially ready. I started having hard contractions in the morning, but nothing was consistent. Since I've never gone into labor before I didn't know what to expect, so when Joel got home we decided to just go to the hospital and check things out.

4:00 pm: I was at 3cm but had a ways to go. They didn't want to send me home (40 mins away), so they sent us out to eat and walk.

6:00 pm: During dinner at BJ's my contractions became harder and more frequent. Needless to say, I was in a ton of pain and it was embarrassing to be in public and in pain. I attempted to walk after dinner but could hardly make it 2 feet without doubling over in pain. So after a quick trip through the Starbucks drive thru we were back at the hospital where we discovered I was in active labor at 6 cm (8:00 pm).

9:30 ish: After running frantically around for about an hour I finally got my epidural. I almost didn't make it. It only took on my right side, so I had to lay on my left side until it became numb as well. By this time I was 7 cm and as with epidurals, things started slowing down. So it was sit and wait. My mom, Melissa, Christa and Kelly were all there waiting with us.

Midnight: I was 10 cm and ready to push. They called the doc in to break my water and after pushing for about 20 mins Noah was born. Joel was super excited when they announced he was a boy. He clapped his hands loudly and yelled YES a number of times.

Noah Jeffery (Jeffery is Joel's Gram's maiden name)

March 15, 2012

7 lbs., 13 ozs

19.75 inches

Thursday, March 15: After fasting all day long, not even water for me, I headed into surgery at 2 pm for my tubal. I was only away for 2 hours and it went very well. I had a spinal, so it took a little longer for me to start moving around again.

Friday, March 16: Since Noah was born in the middle of the night, they didn't do his 24 hour check until midnight which meant we had to stay an extra night. After riding the nurses, we were finally released around 1 pm on Friday, March 16. Aunt Mel and the kids made us an amazing Welcome Home sign and Aunt Mel, Nana and Aunt Chris decorated the house. Beau was so excited to meet his little brother. It was so sweet to see them meet. Bella was pretty much unmoved, but she's warming up to him.

We are all recovering well and getting used to our little addition.

Cubbie Grand Prix

Beau's Awana's (Cubbies) held a Derby Race Day a few weeks ago. We thought it would be fun for Beau to participate in since he loves cars, but we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. The cars were impossible to design/make and these parents really take it seriously. The kit comes with wheels and a rectangular shaped block of wood. From that, we were supposed to cut, whittle, sand, etc. it down into our preferred car shape and then paint and decorate it.

After hours chipping away and sanding at the block we finally shaped it into this.

Then we painted it blue. Bella enjoyed painting a masterpiece of her own.

Then Joel finished it off by adding his number to the car. Not our best work but we were under pressure to finish.Then the race was on. Beau's race was first and his name was called first. He came in 3rd out of the 4 cars in his race. He was so overwhelmed by it all he cried in Joel's arms, but as soon as the race finished he had a blast watching the other contestents race and racing his car against his cousin Owen's car.

Beau & Owen with their cars.

Needless to say, we now know better for next year. Next year we'll be much more prepared.

The Big Race! At least we crossed the finish line.

Freezer Meals

In preparation for the baby's arrival, we had a cooking day. My mom, Melissa and I got together and cooked 10 recipes (times 3) to freeze and use during the baby's first month. We expect each meal to last 2 days which will give us 20 meals. We ended up making extra, so I have a little more than expected. Being 9 months pregnant, it turned out to be a SUPER hard day. Every inch of my body was swollen and in pain by the end of the day. You'd think it would have induced labor, but no such luck.

But, that said, we learned a lot and we're hoping to make freezer meals on a regular basis. I could use a lifestyle change. Making dinner every night for the family is starting to become more and more difficult. It will be nice to have some ready made meals at my fingertips.

This is just one recipe. As you can see, we made more than 3 because we had extra ingredients. So each family took home more than 1.

Take a Picture!

It's so funny how when you want your kids to pose for a picture they don't want to, but when you don't necessary want to take a picture of them, they keep asking that you take a picture.

Here's a picture of my precious boy "wanting" me to take his picture.


And here is a picture of my baby girl lifting weights with Aunt Chris - in a tutu of course. As if they was any other way to lift weights.

39 Weeks Pregnant

Well, I made it to 39 weeks and I'm still pregnant. Lisa hosted a girlfriend's dinner this past Saturday and as you can see in the photo, I'm the smallest! There seems to always be at least 4 of us pregnant at the same time. We usually find out one is pregnant around the time someone is having a baby. It's Crazy! Who's next?!?

I've gain 44 lbs. - gaining a solid 2 lbs a week. I am not making any progress toward having this baby but we shall see.

In preparation for the baby we decided to practice our swaddling on Bella. She didn't like it very much, but what free spirit likes being wrapped up like a burrito. Not Bella.

Prince Beau

I always check on the kids just before going to bed and it's always a surprise as to how I'll find them. We've found Beau in a ball at the bottom of Bella's bed, Bella's pillows on Beau's bed and both kids bottomless with their PJ bottoms on the floor. Sometimes they've even traded bottoms. This particular day we found Beau with his Burger King hat on and his hands clasped. Like true royalty. He must have fished his hat out of the closet. Seeing how they end up falling asleep is one of the highlights of my day. They are too funny.

Bath Time Fun

Getting the idea for Jenny, who got it from Pinterest, we bought glow sticks and had ourselves a grand old time in the glow bath. Soon thereafter, Joel and I took an overnight trip to SF and they kids were able to enjoy a bubble bath in Gabby & Popo's jetted tub. Who know bath time could be so much fun.

Girlfriend's Christmas Party

I forgot to tell you about our Annual Girlfriend's Christmas Party. This year the Elson's were kind enough to host our little group of High School Girlfriends and our husbands. They went all out with a fondue party. Unfortunately I wasn't able to take any pictures, but I was able to capture the appetizer of the night. The cheese dip snowman. Here are the before and after photos. Enjoy.